Design of a frequency agile X-band LNA using BST varactor based voltage tunable impedance matching networks

Current advancements in military and wireless applications create the need for increased functionality with reduced cost and size. In this paper a highly integrated tunable electronics are necessary to meet these new requirements. Barium strontium titanium oxide (BST) is a viable technology for these applications. BST technology offers significant benefits with its high tuning range, high power capabilities and low control voltages. While there is great interest in the development of BST technology, little research has been published regarding integrated matching networks using BST thin film parallel plate capacitors for an X-band low noise amplifier (LNA).